WASHINGTON, DC—National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) President and CEO Theresa Pierno, a vocal advocate for America’s matchless wildlands, has joined the funders’ network Rachel’s Network as a Leadership Liaison.

“Because of climate change and shifting demographics, the field of conservation must adapt,” said Rachel’s Network President Thu Pham. “Theresa is well-equipped to lead this change at the helm of one our country’s most influential conservation groups.”

Theresa is NPCA’s first woman to serve as president in its nearly 100-year history. She first joined NPCA in 2004 as vice president of regional operations.

Theresa doubled the organization’s field program to include more than 60 staff working in 24 offices across the country. The move enhanced NPCA’s connection to national parks and their gateway communities and helped to solidify the organization’s role as the voice of America’s national parks.

“We must make sure that we have more people – diverse communities, younger people – connecting with nature,” Theresa said. “National parks play a primary role in the foundation of our democracy and the future of our environment. Protecting parks is about protecting both of these things that are so near and dear to all of us.”

Rachel’s Network Environmental Leadership Liaisons – women CEOs of influential national or international environmental nonprofits – provide high-level expertise and keep Rachel’s Network members connected to nonprofits that share our goals. This esteemed roster includes Natural Resources Defense Council’s Rhea Suh, Defenders of Wildlife’s Jamie Rappaport Clark, and Greenpeace USA’s Annie Leonard.

Rachel’s Network, a nonprofit organization named in Rachel Carson’s honor, promotes women as impassioned leaders and agents of change dedicated to the stewardship of the earth. The Network builds productive alliances among members – influential philanthropists who range over 60 years in age and span the US – and offers services that empower them to lead.

Since 1919, National Parks Conservation Association has been the independent, nonpartisan voice working to strengthen and protect our nation’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage. Over the last 100 years, NPCA has become an advocacy powerhouse that speaks for America’s favorite places. With more than one million members and supporters, they use the legislative system, the power of public opinion, and the courts to shape public policy to protect our national parks.